Study Medicine in Portugal: 7 Things You Should Know
When you think of Portugal, what first comes into the mind of some people is the history and rich culture of the country that has gone through many experiences, changes, and cultural adaptations from many countries around the world. Little did most of us know that the country, as one of the oldest in Europe, could also boast about its teaching capacity as a country for university students. For art, economy, science, and design, the country has many universities that have course offerings that are globally competitive and known for their eligibility because of the success of other international students that also graduated from the country.
Moreover, aside from these degree offerings, one of the professional jobs that currently have a high demand is also offered in the country but is not widely known by international students. Medical studies, which are considered to be one of the most mentally taxing degrees to take because of the difficulty and duration of the curriculum, are steadily becoming popular for international students in Portugal. Since it is not very well known by many students, it can be said that it is now just starting to comfortably accept or admit students from anywhere in the world.
Of course, it is known that if you are here, you are already considering studying medicine in Portugal and you are in the hope to find any necessary information about studying in the country. Worry not! Because if you truly are one aspiring medical student that would be able to commit and finish a degree in medicine in Portugal, we are here to help and guide you about the things that you should know. Things about the processes, requirements, and general knowledge about applying for studying in the country and enrolling in your chosen university.
1. What are the requirements to study medicine in Portugal?
If this is not your first time applying for admission to a university, which is most likely because you will need a pre-medical course before applying for a degree in medicine, you will only be needing at least two more additional documents for the requirements. In Portugal, the usual requirements to enroll in a university requires certain documents such as your passport or birth certificate to testify your eligibility, and proof of your identity is needed.
Other than that, past or previous academic records, report cards, and good moral certificates from institutions where you got your previous education are also needed to study medicine in Portugal. Lastly, for documents, student visa, application forms, and application fees for universities must be prepared well so that no other complications or delays may come to rise. The additional documents for requirements that you will need are your Portuguese language proficiency test to avoid future miscommunications with most people in the country.
2. In what language do you study medicine in Portugal?
Upon entering the country of Portugal, as soon as you set foot in their lands as an international student from your student visa, you will need to immediately take and pass the Portuguese Language Course before settling down in the country. Even though some of them know the English language, they are one of the proudest people in the world who would never bow to anyone that is why learning Portuguese is very much needed.
Also, if you are going to continue to study medicine in Portugal, you would at least need to know their language if you are going to be treating your local patients. In some universities, both English and Portuguese languages are required for you to be proficient with so if you are just preparing to go to the country, learn some of their culture and language as well. One university that offers very few medical studies is the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisboa.
3. Can you study medicine in Portugal as an international student?
Yes! Despite the few numbers of universities in Portugal that offer degrees in medicine, the government of the country does not limit other citizens of other countries to try and admit for medical courses in these few universities. Moreover, the relationship of Portugal with many countries is now stable especially when they have good trading relationships with them. As of now, some of the medical universities or schools that have this kind of feeling and atmosphere are the University of Porta Medical School and the Faculty of the Medicine University of Lisboa.
4. What are the components of the medical curriculum in Portugal?
The same as other medical curricula in other universities of countries other than Portugal, the medical curriculum in the country has a duration of six years. From this number of years, the first three years of the curriculum will focus on the theoretical studying of concepts, theories, and introduction about the basic and intermediate knowledge of the medical field. For the next three years, you will mostly be stationed in hospitals to do your duties, gain experience, and practice your skills that will be useful when you become a doctor.
5. How many medical schools are in Portugal?
Currently, there are only a total of five universities and medical schools that are operating and are registered in the country. This is also one of the reasons why there are only a few international students in the country. It is not widely known that Portugal has always been accepting international students to study in different fields of study, especially in medicine.
6. How difficult is it to study medicine in Portugal?
The dropout rate of medical students in Portugal is relatively smaller in percentage compared to the rate of other medical students in other countries. For at most 6% dropouts, it is still small and they must stabilize this rate until the end of every year. From this, it can be said that studying medicine in Portugal is relatively more tolerable than usual.
7. What do you need to become a doctor after you study medicine in Portugal?
After finishing your 6-year Bachelor’s degree, you are not yet able to perform medical practices especially in the public and to citizens of the country. Even if you are already more than qualified on becoming a doctor, you will need to follow the process and register with the Portuguese Medical Association. Only after being registered in the association should you consider yourself as a doctor.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.